How to deal with dust mites

Everything you need to know to help you keep these critters at bay!

So tiny that they're barely visible to the naked eye, dust mites can be a problem for those with allergies. Why? Because there can be up to 10 million of them in our pillows and bedding alone, and their droppings can cause allergies and aggravate asthma.

Bearing in mind we spend around a third of our lives in bed – shedding skin cells, debris and sweat for them to feast on – it's important to keep dust mites to a minimum!

What are they exactly?
Just visible to the naked eye, dust mites feed on dead skin cells and are harmless to most people. But they can cause allergies and aggravate asthma in others.

Where will I find them?
All homes have dust mites, but they're particularly partial to soft furnishings and bedding, and any environment that's damp and warm. The older the bed, the more dust mites there are likely to be.

What can I do to prevent them?
*Change bedding frequently, wash at 60°C or hotter – as they can't survive at these temperatures. If you can't wash them as hot as that, wash at 40°C and hang them outside, because exposure to UV light helps kill them. Then iron the bedding on as hot an iron as the fabric label allows.

*Air your bedding every morning by turning back the duvet – trapped moisture is a haven for dust mites! So don't make the bed as soon as you get out of it – give it plenty of time to air and ensure windows are open to let the moisture escape.

*Vacuum your mattress every month, using very low suction and the upholstery tool, paying particular attention to areas such as underneath buttons and along piping - you'll be horrified by the amount of dust and other gunk that can accumulate there and attract those pesky dust mites.

*Eliminate damp – the mites can't survive in a dry atmosphere. Special allergy proof mattress and pillow protectors will help. Don't forget that you need to wash these regularly, too!

Good Housekeeping, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.